CFPBUS003 - Introduction to Information Technology Assignment

The Assignment is based on Information technology as it helps to improve the overall efficiency of the business. It is used to store, transmit, manipulate, and retrieve data. The chosen enterprise is Tesco plc.  The project report has described the role of  Information technology in a chosen firm. Then it has differentiated between various types of networking technologies. Lastly, it focuses on the different stages of the system development life cycle.  

CFPBUS003 - Introduction to
Information Technology

ABSTRACT
The Assignment is based on Information technology as it helps to improve overall
efficiency of the business. It is use to store, transmit, manipulate and retrieve data . The chosen
enterprise is Tesco plc. Project report has describe the role of Information technology in chosen
firm. Further, it has highlight ethical and social issues that pertain to running businesses. Then it
has differentiate between various types of networking technologies. Afterwards, it has put
emphasis on significance of Intranet and internet in a business. Lastly, it has focuses on the
different stage of system development life cycle.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK...............................................................................................................................................1
Role of Information Technology.................................................................................................1
Ethical and social issues associate with technology....................................................................2
Differentiate between various types of networking technologies................................................3
Importance of Intranet and Internet.............................................................................................5
Different stage of system development life cycle........................................................................5
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION...................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Information Technology refers to system of application used in computer software. It is
used to store, transmit, manipulate and retrieve data. It provides technical support to business
firms. The project report is based on Tesco plc. This company is a British merchandise retailer
and multinational grocery's dealer. It is established in the year 1919 and founded by Jack Cohen.
Its Headquarters are situated in Welwyn Garden City and Hertfordshire in England.
Assignment will describe the role of Information technology in chosen firm. Further, it
will highlight ethical and social issues that pertain to running businesses. Report will do
differentiate between various types of networking technologies. Then, it will put emphasis on
significance of Intranet and internet in a business. Lastly, it will explain the different stage of
system development life cycle.
TASK
Role of Information Technology
Information technology role is to oversee the maintenance and installation of systems for
computer network. Its helps Tesco plc to be more productive. The primary function of IT is
associated with smooth running of business function. It provides ease to management of
company.
Tesco plc is using Information Technology to drive their business towards profitability.
They are using various system software such as order processing, scheduling and supply chain
systems. This facilitates in Supply chain transactions. This is helpful in controlling inventory.
Through these system software manager of Tesco plc ensures timely availability of stock so that
production function does not delay. This leads to control stock level. As per the view of Xiang,
Magnini and Fesenmaier, (2015), it is stated that the order processing system software makes
work easier for the managers and customers. It supports their customers loyalty card and car
insurance policy quotation system. Communication technology helps Tesco plc for connecting
their various stores under one loop. This also reduce miscommunication gap among
management (Jiao, Q.G. and Onwuegbuzie, 2017). They are also using electronic data
interchange for their suppliers. Food labelling system helps their production function to do work
more efficiently.
Workforce scheduling system helps to maintain the temperature of food and beverages in
fridge. Company is also using Management information system to run manufacturing activates
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smoothly. They are using Pay @ Pump petrol system and CRM to increase customers retention
towards their products.. RFID systems are also used by company. This is used to identified
objects. It helps in inventory improvement and price policy. This indulged in physical stock
flows of the storage warehouse (Trantopoulos, von Krogh, Wallin and Woerter, , 2017). The
quality of products improved through this system software. Internet is one of the best example of
IT as it provide flexible access to Tesco plc website. This is beneficial for customers as they can
access whenever they feels to do so. This also facilitates consumers to do online shopping.
According to Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, (2015), PIN and chip systems are also used as a easy
mode of payment. Tesco personal financing system helps the company itself in taking loans and
in improving their cost efficiency. The stores of firms are also using E-mails for doing easy
communication with their managers.
Ethical and social issues associate with technology
Ethical and social issues describes moral dimensions of any business firm. Nowadays,
Information technology ethical principles are the primary concern of high profits companies such
as Tesco plc. These firms are working to overcome this social issues related to Information
technology sector. To cope up with this issues cyber security is also the interest of the
companies.
Issues in regards to ethics and society which are associated with the Information
technology are property rights and obligations, system quality and information and data
protection rights. The privacy concern is one of the major issue. Tesco plc ensures that there
personal data is not disclosed through various cyber hacks. For this they store them with security.
The European directive also requires informed consent to the customers on Data protection.
Tesco plc is amendment technical solutions to cope up with this jargon. They have created
platform for Privacy preferences. They are allowing websites to communicate openly about the
privacy polices with the customers to visit their web browser.
Issues such as cyber crime are influencing the decision making of Tesco plc. The
company is also suffering from Phishing that means to create fake website of the company. Some
ordinary people are making fake website by using name of firm. Phishing can be done on
legitimate business website and emails. As per the view of Sittigand Singh, (2015), it is stated
that the Copyright infringement is also the biggest problem. This is same as doing piracy. Some
websites are working illegally. They are supplying copyright materials of the Tesco plc such as
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their own developed software, video and audio. They are working in against of the ethics and
society principles. This comes under unauthorized culture. Innovations and new ideas of the firm
are leaked to outsider, This eventually affects overall profitability of Tesco plc. Click fraud is
also popular nowadays. The google Ad-Sense offers pay per click. Automated software are also
used unethically. Scammers are doing advanced fee fraud .The reputation of Tesco plc is
influence through such cyber crimes where the customers are unaware about such crimes so they
eventually blames company.
According to Baller, Dutta, and Lanvin, (2016), Hacking is also one of the major issue.
This hackers try to access the systems software of the company who's motive is to gain
unauthorized control over such systems. They install various programs through which company
private information is leaked. They are also using deface websites. They try to steal useful
information which is useful from the company's perspective. Information technology systems
has deliver higher profit margins to Tesco plc but there are some drawbacks too. Sensitive data
can be expired sometimes because of computer viruses. The hackers are doing unauthorized
access to privacy content of Tesco plc. Ethics of management information system shows the
path of morality. The MIS seeks for safeguarding the company's private data by using
information systems. As per the view of Avgerouand Walsham, eds., (2017), it is stated that
the Information communication technology polices describes that how company can use
information technology in responsible way. They encourage company to use licensed software.
They also mentioned policy to do safely disposable of this hardware. To overcome such criminal
cases the company uses Arrest system and client transaction sections for providing more safety
to customers in terms of payment state.
Differentiate between various types of networking technologies
According to Networking technologies refers to more than two computer systems that
are connected for communicating informing in between them. Tesco plc is using these
networking technology to transmit their data from one server to another.
Basis Local Area Network
(LAN)
Wide Area Network
(WAN)
Metropolitan Area
Network (MAN)
Meaning This network connects
a group of computers
to the little
geographical area.
This network covers
wide area perhaps it
provides connectivity
among countries.
This network covers
area of cities and
town.
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Ownership LAN networks comes
under Private
ownership.
WAN networks comes
under Private and
public both.
MAN network
ownership is in hands
of public and private
both
Speed The speed of LAN
network is high as it
covers small area.
The Speed of WAN
network is low as it
covers large at global
level (What is the
difference between a
LAN, a MAN, and a
WAN?, 2019).
The Speed of MAN
network is moderate as
it covers district area
of cities and town.
Facilitates
connectivity
It allows single pair of
devices in order to
communicate.
This network allows
large group of people
to connect with
another on computers.
Multiple computers
are allow to
communicate with
another
simultaneously.
Design and
maintenance
LAN network design
and Maintenance is
easier as it cover small
area or location (Galer,
Harker, , Ziegler and
Galer, eds., 2016).
WAN network design
and Maintenance is
difficult as it covers
large geographical
area.
MAN network design
and Maintenance is
moderate.
Used for This network is used
in companies, school,
college and hospital
etc.
This network is used
in continent and
countries.
This network is used
in small towns.
Tesco plc is using LAN network through wireless sources such as Wifi, new routers and
spectrum. The LAN network can also be wired through twisted pair cable into switches. It has
reach up-to to 10 Mbps. MAN network supports Tesco plc to telecommunicate with their various
suppliers who are situated in various cites and towns whereas company is using WAN network
to communicate with their customers who are widely spread all over the globe. These customers
are connected with them on their official website. They used to give feedbacks on this website,
eventually it helps company to improve their product quality or come up with an innovation.
Importance of Intranet and Internet
According to Dutta, Geiger and Lanvin, (2015), Intranet refers to local communication
network. This is restricted and private network that is created using web software whereas
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internet is computer based network that provides interconnectivity among users through using
standard interact protocols.
Tesco plc use internet to enhance their profitability. The internet creates opportunities for
business firms as a way of communications, marketing and sales and information retrieval. The
marketing department of Tesco plc use internet to gather information and for doing marketing
research. On the basis of the marketing information they do product development (Nevo, Nevo
and Pinsonneault, 2016). They use internet for doing online retailing of their products and
services. Internet facilitates customers for doing online purchasing of their products. The
company is also use internet for their online website. Through their online portal customers gives
useful feedback which helps company to do product improvement.
As per the view of Schwalbe, (2015), it is stated that Intranet serves business enterprise
to fulfil their communication needs. The Intranet provides a secure space for accessing,
developing and storing the data. This helps to increase overall efficiency of Tesco plc as to
managing their work and for reducing workflow errors. Earlier business solutions are replaced by
Intranet. Employees can now access same file through network folders with the help of Intranet.
This leads to speeding up work in Tesco plc. Digital reference database helps to look up figures
and facts of the company. Internal email systems are used by firm for doing instant messaging
between mangers and employees. Any important information can easily be convey with the help
of Intranet.
Different stage of system development life cycle
System development life cycle refers to application of developing the systems. This is
process of designing, testing, creating and deploying the information systems. The various stages
of SDLC are discussed below -
 Panning – The first step helps to identify the scope of problem. For determining the
solution for default system software it is crucial to make a plan. Under plan budget is
being determine. This is evaluation process in which one's get to know what are the
resources which are required to complete the system development cycle (Wu, Straub and
Liang, 2015). In this stage one identifies the time which is required for doing whole
process of development.
 Systems Analysis and requirements – It is the second step of SDLC. Under this phase
teams considers the structural requirements of the task. In this group of people analysis
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and identifies the needs of end users. To meet the needs of the people this systems are
developed. Solutions are identified under this phase.
 Systems designs – It refers to third stage in which systems are designed. It consist of
specifications and features that are interlinked with the structural requirements of the
projected systems.
 Development – In this stage development of software is done. This phase belongs to
production cycle in which necessary improvements are done. It refers to instillation and
enchantment in current system software.
 Integration and testing – Under this stage developed system software is tested whether
it is working properly or not. It is integrated to determine that the design meet with the
initial prior goals of the business or not (What is the difference between a LAN, a MAN,
and a WAN?, 2019).
 Implementation – It is the sixth stage of SDLC under this stage the developed system is
implemented to check that it is working properly in accordance with the expectations.
Through direct cut-over the data from the old systems are placed by the new ones.
 Operations and maintenance - This is the last stage of SDLC under this developed
systems are regularly checked for the purpose of maintaining them. This helpful for
boosting the performance.
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ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Potential benefits of information technology in Tesco plc
Tesco plc use internet as it gives flexibility to its customers to easily access their website
whenever it is needed. The company also ask for frequent feedback on their online portals.
Through this company do innovations in order to take competitive edge. Supply chain systems is
the another potential benefit for Tesco plc. Through using Information technology they use stock
optimistically as it controls the inventory. At the time when insufficient stock is available in
warehouses, this system software informs the managers on time and inventories are re-filled. The
managers ensures timely availability of the stock so that delay in manufacturing process can be
minimised. Through management information system the communication gap between the
managers and employees is reduced (Hawkridge, Vincent and Hales, 2018). This helps to
identify the information that is useful from the perspective of the managers in Tesco plc.
Various system software such as order processing and scheduling are helping company in doing
work with ease. Scheduling system helps to maintain the temperature of food products of Tesco
plc in refrigerator.
Drawbacks of Information technology in Tesco plc.
Information technology is giving potential benefits to Tesco plc but there are some
drawbacks too as it comes with security risks. The company personal data is leaked through
cyber crimes. Phishing and hacking is some of the disadvantage of IT. This also impacts
negatively on employees turnover as the employees started feeling less efficient where they are
replaced by machines. They are dishearten and feels dissatisfied. The Tesco plc is also occurring
huge costs on giving training to their employees as they are not aware of using new information
system so for making them well versed with it, this is crucial exercise to perform.
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CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above project report that Information technological is
transforming businesses in new era as it has giving various potential benefits to the firms like
Tesco plc. Various system software are used by the enterprise to take competitive edge such as
supply chain systems which controls inventory and minimise the wastage in production cycle.
The firm is also using are using CRM software to increase customers retention towards their
company. It has been summarise that negative aspect of Information technology is that it comes
with security risks. Thus, the information technology has various benefits along with drawbacks.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Avgerou, C. and Walsham, G. eds., 2017. Information technology in context: Studies from the
perspective of developing countries: Studies from the perspective of developing
countries. Routledge.
Baller, S., Dutta, S. and Lanvin, B., 2016. Global information technology report 2016. Geneva:
Ouranos.
Dutta, S., Geiger, T. and Lanvin, B., 2015. The global information technology report 2015.
In World Economic Forum(Vol. 1, No. 1.pp. P80-85).
Galer, M., Harker, S., Ziegler, J. and Galer, M. eds., 2016.Methods and tools in user-centred
design for information technology (Vol. 9). Elsevier.
Hawkridge, D., Vincent, T. and Hales, G., 2018. New information technology in the education of
disabled children and adults. Routledge.
Jiao, Q.G. and Onwuegbuzie, A.J., 2017. The impact of information technology on library
anxiety: The role of computer attitudes. Information technology and libraries.23(4),
pp.138-144.
Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, J.P., 2015. Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital
Firm Plus MyMISLab with Pearson eText--Access Card Package. Prentice Hall Press.
Nevo, S., Nevo, D. and Pinsonneault, A., 2016. A Temporally Situated Self-Agency Theory of
Information Technology Reinvention. Mis Quarterly.40(1).pp.157-186.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Sittig, D.F. and Singh, H., 2015. A new socio-technical model for studying health information
technology in complex adaptive healthcare systems. In Cognitive Informatics for
Biomedicine.(pp. 59-80). Springer, Cham.
Trantopoulos, K., von Krogh, G., Wallin, M.W. and Woerter, M., 2017. External knowledge and
information technology: Implications for process innovation performance. MIS
quarterly.41(1).pp.287-300.
Wu, S.P.J., Straub, D.W. and Liang, T.P., 2015. How information technology governance
mechanisms and strategic alignment influence organizational performance: Insights
from a matched survey of business and IT managers. Mis Quarterly.39(2).pp.497-518.
Xiang, Z., Magnini, V.P. and Fesenmaier, D.R., 2015. Information technology and consumer
behavior in travel and tourism: Insights from travel planning using the internet.Journal
of Retailing and Consumer Services.22. pp.244-249.
Online
The Seven Phases of the System-Development Life Cycle. 2019 [Online]. Available through :
<https://www.innovativearchitects.com/KnowledgeCenter/basic-IT-systems/system-
development-life-cycle.aspx>.
What is the difference between a LAN, a MAN, and a WAN?. 2019 [Online]. Available through :
<https://kb.iu.edu/d/agki>.
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